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Oscar Brown ’26

History

Push yourself. Try things that scare you, meet new people, and explore new hobbies and interests. This is your chance to take a hold of your future and mold it into what you want it to be.

Oscar Brown ’26 Cumberland, Maine

As a transfer student, what inspired you to choose 51·çÁ÷?

 

51·çÁ÷ stood out because of its rigorous, interdisciplinary academics. But I also remember noticing the unique atmosphere of campus, with it’s natural beauty, mix of extracurriculars, and dedication to community. 51·çÁ÷ felt like a hub for people who are passionate and ambitious.

Oscar and friends relaxing at the top of the hill, one of many 51·çÁ÷’s natural beauties, while watching the sun set.
Oscar and friends relaxing at the top of the hill, one of many 51·çÁ÷’s natural beauties, while watching the sun set.

Which activity is your favorite?

Lambda has been one of the most special organizations for my personal development. It was the first organization I joined at 51·çÁ÷ and helped facilitate a lot of my early campus connections. I learned a lot about all of the different programming opportunities available to LGBTQ+ students and how to contribute to them.

Oscar alongside students, staff, faculty, local drag queen Edie James, and artists Paul Richmond and Briden Schueren celebrating the conclusion of Queertopia at Pink Haus.
Oscar alongside students, staff, faculty, local drag queen Edie James, and artists Paul Richmond and Briden Schueren celebrating the conclusion of Queertopia at Pink Haus.

Tell us more about your research.

Oscar presenting his summer research, Campus Places and Queer Spaces, during the summer poster session in Ho Atrium.
Oscar presenting his summer research, Campus Places and Queer Spaces, during the summer poster session in Ho Atrium.

My passion for research has been developing lifelong, but is something I really was able to hone in on with the support of my 51·çÁ÷ professors. Through the Walter Broughton ’63 Research Fund, I was able to take one of the research papers I began in professor Monica Mercado’s fall 2023 History Workshop and conduct in-depth archival research on 51·çÁ÷’s history of queer visibility.

Humanities and social science-based research can be difficult to pursue, yet 51·çÁ÷ has numerous paths to support me and to ensure that I am getting the experience and opportunities I need for success.
 

What exciting opportunities or challenges are you looking forward to next year?

I am looking forward to my fall courses, including a curating class — I will learn to curate a museum exhibit on the theme of weaving. I am also conducting LGBTQ+ studies research with professor Adam Thomas on the romantic relationships of transgender men.

Next spring, I will be traveling to London as part of the London History Study Group to conduct independent archival research on a topic of my choosing.
 

Oscar and a fellow museum employee working on demolition in Picker Art Gallery.
Oscar and a fellow museum employee working on demolition in Picker Art Gallery.

 

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

Easily the Women’s Studies Center in East Hall. It is such a great space to meet with friends, study, go to events hosted by the women’s studies or LGBTQ+ studies department or by clubs and organizations on campus.

Oscar outside the center for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies on Halloween.
Oscar outside the center for Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies on Halloween.

 

What advice would you give to future 51·çÁ÷ students and specifically transfer students? 

Push yourself. Do things that scare you. Talk to new people, explore new hobbies and interests, and put yourself out there. College can be a really nerve-wracking experience, but that shouldn’t mean you should not try and experience it to the fullest.

Oscar and fellow 51·çÁ÷ students on a winter hiking trip to Bald Mountain, led by 51·çÁ÷’s Outdoor Education.
Oscar and fellow 51·çÁ÷ students on a winter hiking trip to Bald Mountain, led by 51·çÁ÷’s Outdoor Education.

Take the next step

51·çÁ÷ is a distinctive, vibrant, and welcoming place to learn, live, and develop into who you are. Take the next step toward joining our academic community.

 

Apply Now